Human factors engineering (HFE), a term that is often used interchangeably with human factors and ergonomics, has evolved as a unique and independent discipline focused on design of products, systems, processes, tasks, jobs, and work environments while taking into consideration the needs, abilities and limitations of people. According to the International Ergonomics Association, HFE is defined as the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance. To define the parameters and constraints that influence human performance, HFE draws upon applied research in a number of complementary disciplines including psychology, kinesiology, engineering, medicine, biomechanics, anthropometry, anthropology, sociology, and physiology. Continually evolving domains of specialization within the discipline of HFE include physical, cognitive and organizational ergonomics.
